A majority of people in the U.S. drink alcoholic beverages now and then. For some, it is just an after-work drink to relax. Others enjoy a nightcap at home or when partying with friends. Alcohol consumption can become an addiction that requires professional treatment. Here are common signs of alcohol addiction to watch for.

Health Problems

If you are feeling hung over several days a week, you are drinking too much. A hangover means that your body is literally sick from the alcohol you have ingested. Stomach problems like discomfort after drinking alcohol or frequent indigestion are often indicators of high alcohol intake. Elevated liver enzymes or pancreatic abnormalities signal serious threats to your health that may be caused by alcohol consumption.

Job Issues

Calling off work more than a day or two each month or being cited at work for poor job performance could be signs that your drinking is getting out of control. Even just feeling physically bad at work from drinking, or trying to quit on your own, can interfere with job performance. Shakiness, nausea, and mood swings are also associated with alcohol addiction and may cause problems with how you handle your job duties.

Financial Concerns

Heavy drinkers often find themselves in financial difficulties, for various reasons. One is that too much money is being spent on alcohol purchases. Another cause of financial distress related to alcohol addiction is poor judgment; people who drink to the point of intoxication or just being under the influence sometimes spend money carelessly on things they cannot afford while simultaneously neglecting to pay their bills and keep up with financial obligations. For example, failing to pay health insurance premiums can lead to an insurance policy cancellation. If the drinker needs medical attention due to alcohol addiction or other issues, there won’t be insurance to cover the costs.

Relationship Conflicts

Alcohol addicts are significantly more likely to be involved in dysfunctional relationships. Arguments, separations, breakups, divorces, and domestic violence are not uncommon in households where one or more persons are addicted to alcohol. Children of alcoholics are at increased risk of becoming alcoholics, too.

When signs like these become evident, it is time to meet with an addiction specialist to discuss recovery options. Don’t wait for things to get worse or hope they will get better on their own. When these problems emerge, many addicts need professional help.